The office Christmas party is the ideal opportunity to wind down and let loose at the end of a long, hard year. So many of us find ourselves reaching for the same fashion combinations time after time, when there’s always fun to be had in smartening yourself up for the occasion. It is a celebration after all.
Whether you’re keeping it casual with drinks at the local pub or heading out for a slap up meal with your workmates, we’ve put together 3 stylish Christmas party looks that are sure to have your colleagues talking long into the New Year.
Event: a casual affair
Just because your office has decided to keep things laid-back this year doesn’t mean that you should forego making an effort with your appearance. There are plenty of ways to ensure you look dapper on a night out at the pub, beginning with a smarter take on the classic jeans and trainers combination.
Black leather trainers are one way to bring this simple look up to date and can be recycled and worn with plenty of other outfits too. Keep the top half equally casual by draping a slouchy shirt over a plain tee, layering under a smart overcoat to keep warm and bring the whole outfit together. Finish with a classic satchel and a smart but simple watch.
Event: dinner and drinks
Smart casual tends to be the most common dress code during dinner and drinks, yet it’s one that many of us still aren’t sure how to navigate. The trick is in the balance, mixing dressier pieces with something a little more casual to create an effortless contrast.
Opt for a smart dress shirt tucked into slim fitting jeans. Black is always a good choice here and prevents the finished look from becoming too slouchy. Finish with a classic camel coat – this one from Tu at Sainsbury’s is sure to see you long into next year.
Event: an all-night party
If your office is going all out this festive season, make sure you mimic the trend in your choice of eveningwear. You’ll certainly want to be comfortable throughout the night, but that doesn’t have to mean scrimping on style. Leave the trainers behind and opt for smart shoes, chinos and a crisp white shirt, layering with a classic fitting jumper that can easily be removed if you get too hot.
The monochrome look is a steadfast classic, so finish the outfit off with a grey overcoat and simple accessories. A smart watch will bring everything together, while you can never go wrong with a pair of plain black derby shoes.